The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1887-01-04
THATCHER POST.
Installation and Camp Fire Last
Evening.
Speeches, Singing and Good Time
Generally.

Last evening Thatcher Post No. iii; g. A.
term. Commander Williams presided, and
directed Extraordinarily Prince to intro
duce the military officers. He accordingly
presented Comrade Nickerson, Inspector of
the Department of Maine. who installed the
following officers;
Commander-C H. Hadlpek
S. V. C.-wm II. ii. Pettengill.
J. V. C.-Winslow Lawton.
Surgeon-Wm ii. True, MD.
Q. M.-Charles II. Cummings.
Chapain-Samuel Shorey.
q. D.-Daniel ii. T0wle.
o. G.-Geo w. Sawyer
Adutant-D. W. Scribner.
Sergeant-Major Edward s. Hall.
@. NJ. Sergeant-J B. Leighton.
On taking the chair Commander Hadlock
spoke briefly. Past Commander Williams
then introduced Rev. Mr. ShiHn, Department
Chaplain, who made bright speech at once
suiting and pathetic. He told incident after
incident of life on the battle field, on the
march and in camp Loyalty was the one
idea of the people of West Virginia, his
home at the time the war began, and he had
his first experience as soldier long before
he heard the sound of the Union music or
saw the Union battle flag.
Major II. NJ Melcher followed He paid a
high tribute to Gen. Logan and spoke of the
necessity of closing up the ranks of the old
soldiers. In appropriate terms he referred
to the dead of the year Mcclellan, Han
cock and Logan.
Rev. DR.. Bashford spoke of the practical
work of charity now being carried on by the
G. A. r. He gave some illustrations drawn
from his experience as clergyman. He adj
mired and esteemed, he said, the present
Commander-in-chief of the G. A. r., and
trusted that he would during the year visit
this State.
When DR.. Bashford took his seat, a COM
rade said that General Fairchild will be
present at the annual encampment of the
Department of Maine.
Major Nickers6n, the Department In
spector, spoke OF the present condition CT
the department. 1t has a eomradship of
nearly 10000. One of the Posts of Aroostook
county IS forced to hold meetings ina school,
mouse, put II mas membership of IS live
men and is doing much good
Mr.. George II. Thomas sung his famous,
Laughing Sons" and also favored the Post
with two other selections. Mr.. Prince sang
finely. Both Mr.. Thomas and Mr.. Prince
were accompanied by Miss Addie Pierce on
AT the close of the exercises Past Com
manderaWilliams returned the thanks of the
Post to all who had kindly assisted by
speech, song or attendance to make the &C.
caslOn success.
But the boys" were not willing to go and
the suggestion '.sing the old songs" was at
once adopted. Mr.. A. M. Sawyer took his
seat at the piano and Rev. Mr.. Shinn lead in
singing Marching Thro' Georgia" and other
songs of war times.
This has been successful installation"
said Major Melcher.
1T has been rousing good campfire" re-
piled veteran.
Both were right.
ID. ". Starbird, adjutant of Thatcher
Post thanked the visiting friends for their
attendance. He related scenes of army life.
and spoke of the loyalty of the men Of the
border States
Comrade A. NJ. Sawyer of Bosworth Post
was. received with applause. He spoke of
the interesting fact that out of $4,000 men.
Portland sent 5000 to the war. Mr.. SAWYER
thought that it might be we'll to recall the
trials OF the wives and mothers of the
soldiers. He drew yicid picture of the
nome guard" who were obliged to live on
$50 month, while the soldier fought for
$l3 month. In conclusion he bore TO
Post.
Rev. Mr.. Shinn was once more called out
and made second effective speech
Flute duets by Mr.. Edward Thomas and
MI. johnson were pleasing feature of the
entertainment.